Climbing the giant causeway

By Lila Ondinaev, Nov 12, 2017

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The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most iconic spots in the United Kingdom, and popular with tourists from all over the world. Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, this UNESCO World Heritage site and nature reserve is literally steeped in Northern Irish folklore. The area itself is made up of over 40,000 columns of basalt rock, all of which interlock with one another. This was caused in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption and has led to this incredible area of the country.

Climbing the Giant’s Causeway is a place that you’ve got to see if you are ever in the UK. Many thousands of people visit Giant’s Causeway every year, to walk the steps, and indulge in the fascinating mythology and folklore surrounding this place. This incredible force of nature is the perfect way of having an unforgettable time away in Northern Ireland and gives you access to some of the best breathtaking scenery the country has to offer.

A breathtaking sight

The Giant’s Causeway is a breathtaking sight, and one of the most unusual and unique places in the United Kingdom. In fact, it looks like you are anywhere but the United Kingdom, and that’s one of the things that makes it so appealing. Formed around 60 million years ago, volcanic activity in the area caused the strange rock formations we see today. There are thousands of hexagonal columns, all of varying sizes, with the largest being around 12 meters in height! The surrounding area is one of pristine natural beauty as well, and there is solidified lava on the cliffs that, in some places, is almost 30 meters thick!

Myths and legends

As you might imagine, there are a lot of myths, legends, and folk tales surrounding the Giant’s Causeway, and it has worked its way into popular culture. According to one legend, the causeway was built so that two giants could cross the North Channel and meet each other in combat. One of them fled back to Scotland, destroying the causeway in the process. This is a legend that is perhaps attributed to the fact that there are almost identical looking basalt columns across the channel at Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish island of Staffa (Inner Hebrides).

Tourism

The causeway is a huge tourist attraction, and it brings a lot of visitors to Northern Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway Tram opened in the nineteenth century and made it a much more accessible attraction for visitors to Northern Ireland. And, since 2012, a brand new visitors center has opened giving people a more complete experience. There is also a delightful pub here called The Nook that’s well worth popping into for some food and ale after your climb of the causeway.

The Giant’s Causeway is one of those fantastic mythical sites that we think everyone should visit at some point. Northern Ireland is such a beautiful and tourist-friendly country, with a lot to offer visitors. And, if you’re planning a trip here, you should make sure you visit. It’s especially great as inspiration if you’re bashing out a fantasy novel, and looking for some magical inspiration.